John Cooney

Natural World Host

John Cooney zip-lining in Belize

11/19/14 - KLCC lost one of our family. Natural World producer John Cooney has died. His family says, "John left us this morning with a taste of wine and a smile on his lips." John had lung cancer. He was at home surrounded by family.

10/30/14 - The KLCC family regrets to announce that our dear friend and long time volunteer John Cooney is currently in hospice care, and will no longer be creating Natural World segments.

John Cooney has been a vital part of KLCC since 1979. He has entertained listeners with the Natural World since 1999 but his legacy starts much earlier. Among other accomplishments, John was the creator and first host of "Straight Street" which remains one of KLCC's top music shows (Fridays 6:30 pm). He also created a long-running weekend program called "This Sunday Morning." John's life-long dedication to public radio is inspiring and his distinctive voice and commitment to quality programming and production will be terribly missed.

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Natural World

7:56 am

Thu July 17, 2014

Nearly all of the meandering back channels in the Willamette Basin have been drained and filled to create more agricultural land. Unfortunately, this vanishing habitat is critical for the survival of a number of indigenous species.

At the Oregon Country Fair Friday, KLCC's Eric Alan & John Cooney spoke with John Perkins. He's the author of Confessions of an Economic Hitman. He's the founder and board member of Dream Change, as well as co-founder of Pachamama Alliance.

Natural World

6:34 am

Thu July 3, 2014

Early summer can be blustery in the Pacific Northwest. Our native snakes have emerged from hibernation and are out hunting for a meal. These cold-blooded animals often need to bask in the sun to bring their bodies up to a temperature that allows them to function efficiently.

Natural World

6:00 am

Thu June 5, 2014

The Cosumnes River is the only remaining large undammed river flowing into California's Great Central Valley. The Nature Conservancy, along with other conservation and government groups have preserved 46,000 acres near the river's confluence with the Mokolumne River, south of Sacramento.

Willow Creek Nature Preserve is one of the last relatively intact examples remaining of Willamette Valley wetland prairie habitat. The plants and animals found here have been living together for centuries. Many cannot survive outside of this environment.

Natural World

5:37 am

Thu April 24, 2014

During spring and fall migrations Vaux's Swifts have been using the tall chimney at Agate hall for an evening roost. How these birds know where to congregate remains a mystery. The evening spectacle when they enter the chimney is easily accessible to anyone taking the time to observe.